News

Oakland: 5-year-old in stable condition after being struck by vehicle

By Kristin J. Bender and Katie Nelson Oakland Tribune

Posted:
11/14/2012 09:15:39 PM PST

Updated:
11/15/2012 08:27:33 AM PST

OAKLAND -- A 5-year-old boy was in stable condition late Wednesday and police officers are hopeful for more positive news after the boy darted into commute traffic near Lake Merritt and was hit by an oncoming van.

The boy, whose name has not been released, remained at Children's Hospital Oakland where he was being monitored for swelling, police said, but he was reportedly doing well.

Apart from his head injury, the boy did not suffer any broken bones, police said.

The boy was playing in a park with his family near the 3500 block of Lakeshore Avenue about 5:15 p.m. when he ran between two parked cars and into traffic and was struck by the van, said Oakland Fire Department Battalion Chief Melinda Drayton. The driver stopped and cooperated with authorities, she said.

The driver was not cited for the incident, Oakland police said Wednesday, because it did not appear the driver of the van was speeding or violated any other vehicle codes.